Are coffee grounds beneficial for potted peppers?

When used intentionally, coffee grounds can add some helpful qualities to potted peppers. I compared fresh vs composted grounds on my balcony peppers. Composted grounds improved the soil's texture and added essential nutrients. Fresh grounds made the soil too acidic, inhibiting growth. It's all about how you use it and how much you use it.

Signs of over-application include yellowing leaves on the edges, which indicate nitrogen burn or acidity problems. If any of these symptoms appear, flush the soil with water immediately. I also now test grounds on just one plant with any new material I plan to use more liberally. I would rather not affect all of my peppers.

Use coffee grounds with other amendments to keep things balanced. Mix with crushed eggshells to offset acidity. Combine with banana peels to create a potassium boost. My favorite composting method was layering: coffee grounds, leaves, and vegetables scraps allowed me to provide complete nutrition.

When to use enhancing applications is very important. Use them in the spring and summer during peak growth periods. Avoid the winter months when the plants are dormant. I apply coffee grounds to peppers every three weeks from May to August. This is in accordance with their natural nutrient needs.

When sourcing coffee grounds locally, choose coffee shop sours carefully. Avoid flavored and decaf coffee with additives. If you use the grounds immediately with liquid fertilizer, you might want to rinse them. My local café gives out used grounds in compostable bags for free. This is a great way to reduce waste sustainably.

Read the full article: Ultimate Guide to Growing Peppers in Pots